EP2671821A1 - Packaging for ordered, aligned storage of objects and method for producing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The packaging (20) has a base body (30) comprising floor and lid elements (23, 24) that are connected together to limit a receiving space (32). The floor element comprises a portion of a floor area (36). A bottom flap and two lid flaps (74, 76) are arranged at the floor and lid elements, respectively and movable between open and closing positions. A spring unit (25) is arranged in the space and comprises a spring element (55). Objects are arranged in the space to exert a holding force in a transverse direction (Q) transverse to an extending direction and parallel to the floor area.

Description

The invention relates to a package for the orderly, aligned storage of objects extending in an extension direction as well as a method for the production of the packaging. The items to be stored are in particular needles, preferably knitting machine needles.

In many items, such as knitting needles, there is a desire to keep them in a package in which they are kept sorted for their use and on the other hand are protected from damage. Often this simple and inexpensive packaging made of paper or cardboard, especially bags or cartons are used.

A package for sewing machine needles or the like elongated articles is made EP 0 842 868 B1 known. This packaging has a base body made of a bottom element and a cover element which delimit a receiving space. On the bottom element, webs are arranged on a floor surface which is assigned to the items to be stored and which divide the storage space. Between these bars, the items to be stored are loosely inserted. The lid member has at one end a plurality of juxtaposed flaps, which can be moved independently between an open position and a closed position. This makes it possible by opening For example, only one of the flaps to make only a portion of the items in the storage room accessible for removal.

Another needle packing describes EP 1 232 963 B1 , There, the receiving space can be made accessible at a longitudinal end of a base body formed by a cover element and a bottom element for the removal of needles. Opposite a cover flap and the bottom element a bottom flap is provided on the lid member. The accessibility to the receiving space can be improved by opening both flaps at a longitudinal end of the receiving space.

A holding device for knitting machine needles, which can also serve as packaging, is made of EP 1 921 024 A1 known. A bottom plate is overlapped at an axial end portion of a clamping member which is resiliently biased to the bottom plate. Between the clamping part and the end portion of the bottom plate, a receiving space is limited, in which a working part of the knitting machine needles can be arranged. The clamping member presses at a nip from above against the knitting machine needles.

Based on this prior art, it can be regarded as an object of the present invention to improve the handling and storage of objects.

This object is achieved by a package with the features of claim 1 and a method for their preparation with the features of claim 15.

The packaging has a base body which is formed by a bottom element and a cover element. in the Main body between the bottom element and the lid member is a receiving space for the items to be stored available. The bottom member has at least a portion of a bottom surface facing the receiving space. A control panel on the bottom element and / or on the cover element can be moved between an open position and a closed position. After opening the control panel, for example, objects can be introduced into the receiving space or removed from the receiving space. The number of control units can vary. Preferably, at least one operating part is present at one longitudinal end region of the receiving space and another operating part at the opposite longitudinal end region of the receiving space. By in particular transversely from the bottom element away in the receiving space into projecting ridges this can be divided into storage sections.

In the receiving space according to the invention a spring device is used with at least one spring element. The spring device is preferably formed by a spring body. The number of spring elements of the spring device is adapted to the number of storage sections of the receiving space. Each spring element is adapted to exert on a directly adjacent object in the receiving space or in the associated receiving portion a holding force in the transverse direction. The transverse direction is oriented transversely to the direction of extension of the articles and preferably parallel to the bottom surface adjoining the receiving space. The holding force extends in a plane which passes through the receiving space between the bottom element and the cover element. The spring device may generate additional force components in other directions in addition to the transversely acting holding force.

A spring element extends in its initial position in the transverse direction preferably completely through the associated storage portion, so that even a single object in the storage portion can be acted upon regardless of its width with a sufficient holding force. The spring stroke in the elastic deformation of a spring element is therefore as large as the associated storage section in the transverse direction.

The holding force acts on the objects transversely to the direction of their extension and therefore hinders the insertion and removal only in so far as a friction is generated by the holding force, which prevents accidental slipping out of the objects from the receiving space. In addition, the holding force ensures that the objects located in the receiving space are kept substantially immobile during transport and do not hit each other. The holding force is approximately parallel to the bottom surface and therefore does not act or only slightly to the bottom surface or the lid member.

The knitting machine needles have transversely oriented flat sides. In the arrangement of knitting machine needles in the package they are pressed against a side wall or a web or against an adjacent knitting machine needle. The flat sides of the knitting machine needles are insensitive, so that the at least one spring element prevents damage to the stored knitting machine needles. The handling of the needles when inserted into the receiving space or when removing from the receiving space is simplified because the needles can be easily moved in their direction of extent.

In a preferred embodiment, the package is made entirely of plastic. The floor element and the main body can be made in one piece, for example, by an injection molding separately or via a film hinge made of a uniform material without a joint. Preferably, a spring body which can form the spring device, one piece made of plastic, in particular by injection molding, without joint.

The spring device or the spring body may have a base portion which is inserted into a bottom recess provided on the bottom element and in particular there by a latching connection is held positively and / or non-positively. The base portion therefore has a portion of the bottom surface on its side associated with the receiving space. The at least one spring element present on the base section is fixed and preferably integrally connected to the base section and runs along the section of the floor surface which is present on the floor element.

The packaging with the spring device can thus be very easily produced by only two or three separate plastic parts.

The cover element is preferably permanently connected to the floor element. As insoluble compound is to be understood as such a compound that can not be solved nondestructively. This reliably prevents inadvertent opening of the receiving space.

An insertion opening may be present on the floor element, by means of which the receiving space at one longitudinal end in extension of the floor area is open or accessible independently of the position of the at least one operating part. As a result, such items can be stored in the recording room be whose length in the extension direction is greater than the length of the receiving space. Even in the closed position of the control panel, these objects can protrude through the insertion of the receiving space.

This aspect of the unilaterally open or accessible packaging can also be carried out independently of the other features of the packaging, in particular independently of the spring device. Accordingly, there is a packaging for the orderly, aligned storage of objects extending in an extension direction, in particular knitting machine needles, having a base body which has a bottom element and a cover element which are connected to one another and delimit a receiving space, wherein the bottom element at least a portion of a Bottom surface, which faces the receiving space, with at least one operating part on the bottom element and / or on the lid member which is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the receiving space has an insertion through which the receiving space at a first longitudinal end regardless of the Position of at least one control panel is open or accessible. Such a package may optionally have the further features described above and below, in particular the features described in one of the claims.

Such a packaging which is open or accessible at the insertion opening allows objects of almost any length to be stored. Objects whose length is greater than the length of the storage space protrude with an end portion of the storage space. For example, in knitting machine needles, the stitch forming working part and an adjoining shaft portion may be received and protected in the storage space while the end portion protrudes freely out of the packaging with a needle foot and thus is neither protected nor supported by the packaging. Objects with a maximum length corresponding to the length of the storage space are completely accommodated in the storage space. The packaging can also store items of different lengths. This results in an arrangement of the packaging with one or more objects which are arranged completely in the receiving space and / or protrude with an end portion of the receiving space. As a result, the packaging can be used for many different and in particular differently long items such as knitting machine needles without adjustments to the packaging must be made. Particularly in the production of the packaging as an injection molded part, high tooling costs arise. Because of the diverse uses of packaging this is still economical to produce.

As a control panel, a first lid flap and / or a second lid flap may be present on the lid member. If two cover flaps are present on the cover element, the two cover flaps are located on opposite sides of the cover element. As a result, the receiving space can be made accessible at both longitudinal end regions.

The first cover flap may have a hold-down part. The hold-down member may exert a hold-down force on the objects disposed in the receiving space when the first lid flap is in the closed position. The hold-down force acts obliquely or at right angles to the bottom surface and can thus push the articles in the direction of the bottom surface of the bottom element. When in the closed position located first cover flap can by the hold down the risk of unwanted movement the stored objects are further reduced. The hold-down member may serve, for example, as a stop for a raised portion of an article disposed in the storage space when the article shifts in its direction of extension relative to the package.

In a preferred embodiment, the hold-down part is formed by a pivotable end portion of the first lid flap. When the end section is pivoted out of its starting position, the hold-down force can be generated towards the objects. The free end can serve as hold-down lip, which acts on the objects. It is alternatively or additionally also possible to fasten the pivotable end section to the floor element, e.g. latching or clamping to increase the hold-down force or to make it difficult to prevent the end portion from pivoting away from the objects.

The first cover flap and / or the second cover flap can be held in their closed position via a respective latching device. The latching device has, in particular, a latching means on the cover flap and a latching counterpart on the base element. The locking connection is made when closing the lid flap and released when opening the lid flap. Such locking means can be produced very easily when the cover element and the bottom element are made of plastic by casting.

In a preferred embodiment, the second cover flap on a securing element, which may be formed for example by a securing web. The securing web preferably runs in the transverse direction completely through the receiving space. The securing element formed by the securing web is between a securing position and a release position movable. In one embodiment, it protrudes away from the second cover flap into the receiving space and toward the bottom surface, preferably leaving a gap between the free end of the securing element and the bottom surface. Thus, the lid flap is used for movement of the securing element between its securing position and its release position. If the second cover flap is in its closed position, the securing element can secure items stored in the receiving space by contact or even contact-free against accidental removal from the receiving space. The fuse element is then in the backup position. For example, the securing element can engage in a recess or depression or behind a projection on the object and thereby store it against being pulled in its direction of extension captive on the packaging. If the lid flap is opened, the securing element is in its release position and the objects can be removed without hindrance by the securing element from the packaging.

In one embodiment, the region of the receiving space in which the securing element is arranged may have a height reduced in relation to the rest of the receiving space measured at right angles to the bottom surface.

Alternatively or in addition to at least one cover flap, a bottom flap may be present as a control element on the floor element. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom flap is formed by a flap portion of the bottom element. The flap portion may be secured in its initial state by a predetermined breaking connection at a predetermined breaking point of the bottom element against pivoting. Only after the first breaking of the predetermined breaking connection the pivoting of the flap portion is possible. The initial state of the bottom element is the delivery condition of the packaging after its production with still undamaged predetermined breaking point. The bottom flap can be provided, for example, a cover flap and preferably the second cover flap opposite to the same longitudinal end of the storage space. About the bottom flap, the relevant longitudinal end of the storage space and thus the articles arranged there can be made accessible. If there is also a cover flap, accessibility via the bottom flap can be improved or increased. By securing the bottom flap via a predetermined breaking connection at a predetermined breaking point with the remaining part of the bottom element, the packaging can be used flexibly for different objects. Only in those in which a larger access opening to the receiving space from a longitudinal end is necessary ago, the predetermined breaking connection can be solved at the predetermined breaking point and the bottom flap to open the receiving space in its open position pivoted.

Such a package can be produced very simply by a method according to the invention. The packaging is preferably made of plastic and has in particular only two or at most three individual parts. As part of the production of packaging, a first filling can be done with objects.

First, a base body is made of a bottom member and a lid member. The base element and the cover element are preferably connected to one another via a film hinge on a side wall of the base body. They can be made in a single mold as a common plastic part. At the bottom element and / or on the ceiling element is a control panel, preferably in shape a pivotable bottom flap or cover flap, formed.

The spring device with the at least one spring element is preferably produced as an integrally designed spring body, for example by injection molding of plastic.

The spring device is arranged on the bottom element. Preferably, the at least one spring element is inserted from an underside through a bottom recess in the bottom element and a plate-shaped base portion of the spring device is latchingly secured in the recess, which preferably closes the bottom recess.

In this state, the storage space is still open by the lid member. Optionally, a first filling with objects to be stored can now take place. In this case, the at least one spring element of the spring device exerts a holding force transversely to the direction of extent of the objects and approximately parallel to the bottom surface in a transverse direction.

Finally, the floor element and the ceiling element are inextricably linked together in such a way that they limit the receiving space. The permanent connection is preferably made by a positive and / or non-positive and / or material connection to at least one attachment point between the bottom element and the cover element. For example, mounting pins may be present on one element, which project through fastening recesses on the other element. The protruding through the mounting recesses free ends of the mounting pins can, for example, plastically deformed by the action of heat and thus a non-detachable connection getting produced.

Another aspect of the packaging according to the invention is formed by a package that

• Figur 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackung in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• Figur 2 die Verpackung nach Figur 1 in Draufsicht auf das Deckelelement,
• Figur 3 die Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 und 2 in Ansicht von unten auf das Bodenelement,
• Figur 4 die Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 3 in einer Seitenansicht,
• Figur 5 die Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 4 in teilmontiertem Zustand mit noch nicht am Bodenelement befestigten Deckelelement in einer Draufsicht,
• Figur 6 den in Figur 5 dargestellten Zustand der Verpackung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• Figur 7 eine Seitenansicht der Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 6 mit aufgeklappten Deckelklappen,
• Figur 8 die Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 7 mit aufgeklappten Deckelklappen gemäß Figur 7 in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• Figur 9 die Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 8 mit aufgeklappten Deckelklappen und einer aufgeklappten Bodenklappe,
• Figur 10 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Verpackung nach den Figuren 1 bis 9 mit im Aufbewahrungsraum angeordneten Gegenständen, beispielsgemäß einer Vielzahl von Strickmaschinennadeln,
• Figur 11 eine Teildarstellung der Lage des im Aufbewahrungsraum angeordneten Endes eines Gegenstandes,
• Figur 12 ein Rastmittel einer Deckelklappe in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• Figur 13 ein Rastgegenmittel eines Bodenelements in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• Figur 14 den Grundkörper der Verpackung gemäß der Figuren 1 bis 13 in seinem Ausgangszustand,
• Figur 15 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Federeinrichtung der Verpackung in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• Figur 16 das Einsetzen der Federeinrichtung aus Figur 15 in den Grundkörper nach Figur 14 und
• Figur 17 eine Detaildarstellung der Verrastung der Federeinrichtung am Grundkörper.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. The description is limited to essential features of the invention. The drawing is to be used as a supplement. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in detail below. Show it:

• FIG. 1 An embodiment of a package according to the invention in a perspective view,
• FIG. 2 the packaging after FIG. 1 in plan view of the cover element,
• FIG. 3 the packaging according to the Figures 1 and 2 in bottom view of the floor element,
• FIG. 4 the packaging according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 in a side view,
• FIG. 5 the packaging according to the FIGS. 1 to 4 in teilmontiertem state with not yet attached to the bottom element lid member in a plan view,
• FIG. 6 the in FIG. 5 illustrated state of the package in a perspective view,
• FIG. 7 a side view of the package according to the FIGS. 1 to 6 with opened lid flaps,
• FIG. 8 the packaging according to the FIGS. 1 to 7 with opened lid flaps according to FIG. 7 in perspective view,
• FIG. 9 the packaging according to the FIGS. 1 to 8 with opened lid flaps and an opened bottom flap,
• FIG. 10 a perspective view of the package after the FIGS. 1 to 9 with objects arranged in the storage space, for example a plurality of knitting machine needles,
• FIG. 11 a partial representation of the position of the arranged in the storage room end of an object,
• FIG. 12 a locking means of a cover flap in a perspective view,
• FIG. 13 a locking counterpart of a floor element in a perspective view,
• FIG. 14 the main body of the packaging according to the FIGS. 1 to 13 in its initial state,
• FIG. 15 an embodiment of a spring device of the packaging in perspective view,
• FIG. 16 the insertion of the spring device FIG. 15 into the body after FIG. 14 and
• FIG. 17 a detailed representation of the locking of the spring device on the base body.

The invention relates to a package 20, which is provided and arranged to store in an extension direction E extending objects 21, for example, needles and in particular knitting machine needles 22. An embodiment of a package 20 according to the invention is shown in the drawing. Hereinafter, as the articles 21, the knitting machine needles 22 are mentioned, and the application is not limited to knitting machine needles 22. In particular, the package 20 is particularly suitable for articles 21 with two flat sides facing in the transverse direction Q.

The packaging 20 is preferably made entirely of plastic. The required plastic parts can be produced for example by a casting process, such as injection molding.

The packaging 20 consists, for example, of three plastic elements to be joined together, namely a bottom element 23, a cover element 24 and a spring device 25, which is formed by a spring body 26 in the exemplary embodiment. The knitting machine needles 22 are stored in several groups 27 through the package 20, each group 27 having a plurality of knitting machine needles 22 laterally adjacent to each other with adjacent flat sides (US Pat. FIG. 10 ).

The base element 23 and the cover element 24 together form a main body 30 of the packaging 20. The main body 30 can be produced as a common component during the casting process, so that the cover element 24 and the bottom element 23 are produced integrally without seam and joint as a common plastic part. In the embodiment, the cover element 24 and the bottom element 23 are designed as a film hinge, for example Connecting element 31 connected to each other. The lid member 24 and the bottom member 23 together define an intermediate receiving space 32 for the knitting machine needles 22.

The bottom element 23 is for example in the Figures 3 . 5 . 6 and 14 clearly visible. It has a bottom plate 34 which has a bottom side 35 (FIG. FIG. 3 ) and a receiving space 32 facing first portion 36a of a bottom surface 36 of the package 20 has. The bottom surface 36 of the package 20 serves as a support surface for the items 21 to be stored. The bottom surface 36 preferably extends in a plane from a male side 37 at a first longitudinal end 38 of the main body 30 in a longitudinal direction L to an opposite end of the female space 32 at one At the second longitudinal end 39 of the base body 30 defines a transversely projecting from the bottom surface 36 stop 40 the receiving space 32 in the longitudinal direction L. The stop 40 forms, so to speak, a rear wall of the bottom member 23. The stopper 40 extends along the Bottom plate 34 in a transverse direction Q transverse to the longitudinal direction L. At the two transverse ends of the stop 40 is followed in each case by a side wall 41 which extends in the longitudinal direction L preferably completely along the bottom plate 34 and together with the stop 40, the bottom surface 36 on three sides framing. The bottom surface 36 is free of walls or other projections on the insertion side 37, whereby an insertion opening 42 is formed there.

Parallel to the two side walls 41 extend in the embodiment, a plurality of dividers 43 in the longitudinal direction L and project transversely from the bottom surface 36 away. By the dividers 43 of the receiving space 32 is divided into a plurality of receiving portions 44. The receiving portions 44 are in the transverse direction Q side by side and extend between two dividing webs 43 or between a side wall 41 and an adjacent dividing web 43 in the longitudinal direction L completely along the bottom surface 36 through the receiving space 32nd

The dividers 43 are each contoured identically. They start directly at the insertion opening 42 at the first longitudinal end 38 of the base body 30. From there, they extend to the second longitudinal end 39, wherein they do not fully penetrate the receiving space 32, but end at a distance from the second longitudinal end 39 and the stop 40. This web-free, the second longitudinal end 39 having end portion 45 of the bottom member serves as a bottom flap 46. The bottom flap 46 is pivotable about a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction Q. In order to enable this pivoting, the bottom plate 34 has a reduced in thickness in its transverse direction Q pivot point 47, which forms a film hinge. The pivot point 47 is particularly good in FIG. 11 to recognize and penetrates the bottom plate 34 in the transverse direction Q completely. The thickness reduction can be done by a groove-like depression in the bottom plate of the bottom surface 36 and / or the bottom 35 ago.

Viewed in the longitudinal direction, the two side walls 41 have a material weakening at the level of the pivot point 47 in order to form a predetermined breaking connection at a predetermined breaking point 48. In the initial state, the two adjoining the predetermined breaking point 48 side wall sections are connected to each other by the predetermined breaking connection. By breaking the predetermined breaking connection at the predetermined breaking points 48 of the side walls 41, the bottom flap 26 formed by the end section 45 can be pivoted about the pivot point 47 and the receiving space 32 at the second Make longitudinal end 39 of the body 30 accessible. The bottom flap 46 is an operating part of the package 20, which is movable between a closed position and an open position.

The receiving space 32 in the main body 30 has, in the region of the end portion 45, a first height H1 measured at right angles to the bottom surface 36, which is smaller than the second height H2 of the remaining receiving space 32.

The bottom plate 34 has a bottom recess 52. The bottom recess 52 is provided following the insertion opening 42 and passes through the receiving space 32 in the transverse direction Q in the embodiment completely. The separating webs 43 overlap the bottom recess 52. Each receiving section 44 of the receiving space 32 is therefore accessible through an associated region of the bottom recess 52. In the embodiment, the bottom recess 52 is contoured rectangular.

The bottom recess 52 is used for inserting and securing the spring device 25 in the receiving space 32. The spring device 25 formed in the described embodiment of a spring body 26 is in FIG. 15 illustrated separately. The spring body 26 has an example according to plate-shaped base portion 53. With the aid of the base section 53, the spring device 25 can be fastened to the floor element 23. In the embodiment, the base portion 53 closes the bottom recess 52 completely. The base portion 53 has an upper surface 54 which extends, for example, in a plane. When inserted spring device 25, the top 54 is in the same plane as the first portion 36 a of the bottom surface 36 which is provided on the bottom plate 34 of the bottom member 23. The top 54 thus forms the second Section 36b of the bottom surface 36. The bottom surface 36 in total extends in a plane. At least the base portion 53 does not protrude into the receiving space 32 beyond the plane of the first portion 36a of the bottom surface.

On the upper side 54 of the base section 53, a spring element 55 is fastened per receiving section 44 and molded in accordance with the example. The spring elements 55 may have different shapes. They serve to act on a stored in a receiving portion 44 object 21 in the transverse direction Q to apply a holding force and to press toward an adjacent side wall 41 or to an adjacent divider 43 out. For this purpose, the spring elements 55 extend in the receiving space 32 substantially parallel to the bottom surface 36 and at least partially obliquely, transversely or curved to the longitudinal direction L.

In the preferred embodiment of the package 20 described herein, each spring element 55 has a curved shape and extends from a fixed end 56 fixed to the base section 53 in an arc toward a free end 57. The fixed end 56 and the free end 57 are located in the receiving space inserted spring body 26 on a common divider 43 and on a common side wall 41, as for example in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 can be seen. At a curved or flattened stop 58, the spring element 55 rests against a separating web 43 or a side wall 41 at the side of the respective receiving section 44 opposite the two ends 56, 57. The spring element 55 therefore passes completely through the associated receiving section 44 in the transverse direction Q.

When an article or group 27 of articles is inserted into a receiving section 44 ( FIG. 10 ), so This object 21 or this group 27 is clamped by objects between a separating web 43 or between a side wall 41 and the stop 58 of the spring element 55 located in the receiving space in the transverse direction Q by the holding force of the spring element 55. In this case, the free end 57 shifts in the receiving portion 44 in the longitudinal direction L along the side wall 41 or the separating web 43. By this configuration, it is possible to use both a single, as well as several objects in a receiving portion 44 and hold there by the holding force.

In order to fix the spring device 25 or the spring body 26 on the bottom element 23, at least one and, according to the example, a plurality of latching noses 59 are formed on the base section 53. In the embodiment, the fixed end 56 of each spring member 55 projects beyond the plate-shaped base portion 53 in the longitudinal direction L on both sides. Towards the insertion opening 42, each spring element 55 at the fixed end 56 has an edge running obliquely from the base section 53, which ends at the base section 53 in a protruding latching lug 59. Thereby, the spring body 26 as in the FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrated attached to the bottom element 23.

The spring elements 55 are inserted through the bottom recess 52 in the respective associated receiving portion 44 of the receiving space 32 from the bottom 35 forth until the locking lugs 59 opposite end of the base portion 53 rests against the associated edge of the bottom recess 52. Subsequently, the spring body 26 is pivoted toward the bottom plate 34 ( FIG. 16 ). Finally, the oblique edges of the locking lugs 59 come into contact with the bottom plate 34 and are moved through the bottom recess 52 by elastic deformation. Then they rest Latches 59 in the receiving space 32 and lie on the first portion 36 a of the bottom surface 36 of the bottom member 23, whereby the spring body 26 is fixed to the bottom member 23.

The number of detents 59 in the embodiment thus corresponds to the number of spring elements 55. In a modification to this, only a part of the spring elements 55 at the fixed end 56 could form a latching lug 59.

As already mentioned, the cover element 24 is produced together with the base element 23 and arranged pivotably on one of the two side walls 41 via a connecting element 31 formed by a film hinge. On the side opposite the connecting element 31 in the transverse direction Q, a transverse projection 65 is formed on the cover element 24. The cross projection 65 is in the assembled state of the package 20 on the connecting element 31 opposite side wall 41 in a wall recess 66. Between the connecting element 31 and the transverse projection 65, a plate-shaped fastening region 67 is formed on the cover element 24. At least one fastening opening 68 is present in this fastening region 67. By way of example, a plurality of fastening apertures are arranged distributed in the fastening region 67. The fastening openings 68 are formed, for example, by cylindrical holes.

Each fastening aperture 68 is assigned a fastening pin 69 on the bottom element 23. The cross-sectional shape of the fastening pins 69 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the fastening apertures 68. If the cover element 24 is placed on the bottom element 23, the fastening pins 69 pass through the respectively associated one Fixing hole 68 completely, so that their free ends 70 project outside the receiving space 32 from the respective mounting hole 68. By widening these free ends 70, a positive and optionally also cohesive and / or non-positive fastening of the cover element 24 on the bottom element 23 can take place. The expanded free ends 70 are in FIG. 9 to recognize. The expansion can be carried out, for example, by the action of heat.

Such as in FIG. 5 or 6 illustrated, the mounting pins 69 are arranged on the bottom surface 36 opposite side of the separating webs 43 and form an integral part of the separating webs 43. To produce a sufficiently strong connection, two mounting pins 69 are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L according to example at each divider.

When the connection is made, the attachment region 67 of the cover element 24 is firmly and immovably connected to the bottom element 23. In the longitudinal direction L, the cover element 24, following the attachment region 67, has on the one hand a first cover hinge 73 of a first cover flap 74 and on the other side a second cover hinge 75 of a second cover flap 76. The first cover flap 74 is located at the first longitudinal end 38 of the main body 30, while the second cover flap 67 is disposed at the second longitudinal end 39 of the main body 30. The second cover flap 67 thus lies opposite the bottom flap 46. The two cover flaps are each movable between an open position and a closed position and represent further operating parts of the packaging in order to allow access to the storage space 32.

The first lid flap 74 has a substantially in the same plane to the attachment portion 67 via the first lid hinge 73 subsequent lid portion 77. At the two transverse sides Q of the cover section 77 opposite in the transverse direction Q, the first cover 74 has in each case a latching projection 78 of a latching means. An enlarged view of the locking projection 78 shows FIG. 12 , Each latching projection 78 is assigned to an associated side wall 41 of the bottom element 23 an example according to slot-shaped, extending in the longitudinal direction L latching recess 79 of a locking countermeasure. The two latching projections 78 and the two latching recesses 79 form a latching device 78, 79. If the two latching projections 78 engage in the respectively associated latching recess 79, then the first cover flap 74 is in its closed position. When moving the first lid flap 74 from the closed position to the open position, the latching projections 78 move elastically out of the latching recesses 79. The open position is in the FIGS. 7 to 9 shown.

On the first cover hinge 73 opposite side of the lid portion 77 is adjoined to the lid portion 77 at the first longitudinal end 38 of the base body 30 arranged end portion 82 of the first lid flap 74 at. The end portion 82 extends in its rest position obliquely to the lid portion 77 to the free end 83 of the first lid flap 74 out. When the first lid flap 74 is closed, the end portion 82 extends obliquely from the lid portion 77 to the bottom plate 34 of the bottom element 23. From this basic position, the end section 82 can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending substantially in the transverse direction Q relative to the cover section 77. During the deflection from its unactuated basic position, the end section 82 generates a hold-down force directed toward the bottom plate 34 and the bottom surface 36, respectively. The end portion 82 of the first cover flap 74 thus forms in the embodiment, a hold-down portion 84 of the cover member 24. Are in the receiving space 32 items 21 whose length in the longitudinal direction L is greater than the length of the receiving space 32, so they protrude in the region of the insertion opening 42 of the Recording room 32 out. In this case, the hold-down portion 84 and, according to the example, the free end 83 of the end portion 82 of the first lid flap 74 rests on the objects 21, provided that the first lid flap 74 is in its closed position, as shown in FIG FIG. 10 is illustrated.

In the exemplary embodiment, an engagement opening 85 is present in the first cover flap 74 and, for example, in the end section 82. The engagement opening 85 is for an operator to grasp the first lid flap 74 to move it between its open position and its closed position. To facilitate this operation, a grip member 86 may be present in the region of the engagement opening 85 in extension of the lid portion 77. The grip part 86 protrudes, for example, in the plane of the cover section 77 obliquely to the end section 82 beyond the connection between the end section 82 and the cover section 77, about which the two sections 77, 82 are pivotable relative to one another.

The second cover flap 76 has a kink 90 at which an intermediate portion 91 merges into an outer portion 92 to form an angle. The intermediate portion 91 is connected to the attachment portion 77 of the lid member 24 via the second lid hinge 75. If the second cover flap 76 is in its closed position, the intermediate section 91 extends obliquely from the second cover hinge 75 towards the bottom surface 36. By the intermediate portion 91 is thus reduces the height of the receiving area 32 between the second lid hinge 75 and the kink 90.

At the free end 93 of the outer portion 92, a locking means 94 of the second cover flap 76 is present, which cooperates with an associated locking counter-agent 95 on the bottom element 23 and, according to the second longitudinal end 39 following the stop 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching counterpart means 95 has a latching counter surface 96 oriented away from the second cover flap 76, against which a detent surface 97 provided on the latching means 97 rests when the latching connection is produced and defines the second cover flap 76 on the base element 23. The latching means 94 with the latching surface 97 is arranged according to the example on a transversely projecting from the outer portion 92 and the free end of this section 92 forming the end flange 98. The latching surface 97 lies opposite the outer end section 92 with the formation of a gap. In this space, the locking counterpart 95 can intervene in produced locking connection.

In contrast to the latching device 78, 79 of the first cover flap 74, the latching device 94, 95 of the second cover flap 76 is not at the longitudinal L extending in the longitudinal direction L. Die Rastmittel 94 und die Rastmittel 94 bzw. But instead of the lateral end Q extending free end 93 of the body 30 is arranged.

The packaging has a securing element 99 arranged in the receiving space 32. The securing element is movable between a release position and a securing position, for example pivotable. In the securing position, the securing element 99 operates with one of the bottom surface 36 protruding elevation of the article 21 together and prevents that this object 21 in its extension direction E from the receiving space 32 can be completely zoom out.

According to the example, the securing element 99 is arranged on the inside of the second cover flap 76 facing the receiving space 32. It extends obliquely away from the outer portion 92 and extends, for example, substantially parallel to the intermediate portion 91. The securing element 99 is formed by a securing web 100, for example, which extends in the transverse direction Q along the entire second cover flap 76. If the second cover flap is in its closed position, the securing bar 100 projects toward the bottom surface 36 and can end at a distance from the bottom surface 36. The fuse element 99 is then in its backup position.

If knitting machine needles 22 are located in the receiving space 32, the free end of the securing web 100 can abut the knitting machine needles 22, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 11 is illustrated. In the exemplary embodiment, the securing bar 100 protrudes obliquely toward the stop 40 of the bottom element 23, against which the knitting machine needles 22 rest in their storage position. The securing web 100 can engage in a recess on the knitting machine needles 22 or engage behind a raised portion protruding from the bottom surface 36 between the securing web 100 and the stop 40 or a raised area of the article 21. In the exemplary embodiment, the securing web 100 engages behind the hook 101 of the knitting machine needle 22. A closing element 102 of the needle 22 therefore has to freely arrange the hook inner region of the hook 101 in the packaging. If the knitting machine needle 22 were pulled away from the stop 40 in the direction of the insertion opening 42, the securing ridge 100 would engage the hook portion of the hook 101 and block complete withdrawal of the knitting machine needle 22 from the receiving space 32.

The knitting machine needle 22 or other objects 21 having a similar projecting part can only be completely pulled out of the receiving space 32 from the insertion opening 42 because of the securing web 100 when the securing element 99 is in its release position, that is to say when, for example, the second cover flap 76 is in its open position. As a result, the securing web 100 is moved away from the object 21 or the knitting machine needle 22 and releases its movement in the longitudinal direction L (release position). The securing element 99 formed by the securing web 100 is thus configured to limit in its securing position a longitudinal movement in the longitudinal direction L of the article 21 together with an end projection, for example the hook 101 away from the stop 40, while the article 21 in the release position of the securing element 99 unhindered can be removed.

• Der Grundkörper 30 mit dem Bodenelement 23 und dem Deckelelement 24 wird aus Kunststoff vorzugsweise durch Spritzgießen oder ein anderes geeignetes Gießverfahren hergestellt. Die beiden Elemente 23, 24 sind dabei über ein Filmscharnier als Verbindungselement 31 miteinander verbunden.

The package 20 is made as follows:

• The base body 30 with the bottom element 23 and the cover element 24 is preferably made of plastic by injection molding or another suitable casting method. The two elements 23, 24 are connected to each other via a film hinge as a connecting element 31.

In addition, a spring device 25 formed by a spring body 26 is also made of plastic, preferably also by injection molding or a other casting process. The spring body 26 is then inserted with its spring elements 55 from the bottom 35 forth through the bottom recess 52 and pivoted so that the plate-shaped base portion 53 of the spring body 26 comes to rest in the bottom recess 52 and there with the help of one or more locking lugs 59th the spring body 26 is held latching ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ).

In this partially manufactured state, a first filling of the packaging 20 with articles 21 and preferably knitting machine needles 22 can take place. These are subdivided into several groups 27 in the exemplary embodiment with their flat sides extending in the longitudinal direction. In each receiving portion 44 of the receiving space 32 of the base body 30, a group 27 or a package of knitting machine needles 22 is used. The spring elements 55 located in the receiving portion 44 soften when inserting the articles 21 or the knitting machine needles 22 in the longitudinal direction L from the insertion side 37 in the transverse direction Q and thereby deform elastically. The stop 58 abuts the respective adjacent knitting machine needle 22 of the group 27. On the group 27 of knitting machine needles 22, a holding force in the transverse direction Q is exerted by the spring member 55. Between the spring element 55 and the separating web 43 or the separating wall 41 located on the opposite side of the storage section 44, the group 27 of knitting machine needle 22 is held clamped in the receiving space 32 by the holding force in the transverse direction Q.

After first filling the package 20 with knitting machine needles 22, the lid member 24 is pivoted about the hinge formed by the connecting member 31 so that the mounting pins 69 project through the mounting holes 68 to the outside. The first lid flap 74 and the second cover flap 76 are thereby releasably latched via their respective locking devices 78, 79 and 94, 95 with the bottom element 23. The projecting through the mounting apertures 78 free ends 70 of the mounting pins 69 are then plastically deformed. As a result, the cover element 24 is fastened fixedly and, for example, in a form-fitting manner to the base element 23 with its fastening region 67.

Depending on the length of the knitting machine needles 22, these can protrude out of the receiving region 32 through the insertion opening 42, as shown in FIG FIG. 10 is shown by way of example. Shorter objects 21 or knitting machine needles 22 can also be arranged completely in the receiving region 32 of the packaging 20. At least the sensitive stitch forming work sections of the knitting machine needles 22 with the hooks 101 and closing elements 102, for example according to a tongue, are arranged in the receiving region 32. The shafts with the foot of the knitting machine needles 22 may be as in FIG. 10 shown freely protrude from the receiving area 32. The protruding from the receiving portion 32 portion of a knitting machine needle 22 is not protected or supported at any side by the package.

When inserting or inserting knitting machine needles 22 into the receiving space 32, care must be taken that the closing element 102 is in its open position and releases the hook inner area. This ensures that the securing web 100 does not act on and damage the closing element and secures the knitting machine needle by cooperating with the hook 101 against unintentional removal from the receiving space 32 ( FIG. 11 ).

To remove the objects 21 or the knitting machine needles 22, the second cover element 76 must be moved into its open position so that the securing device 99 releases the objects 21. The first mating member 74 can be moved to its open position to facilitate access to the receiving space 32.

If they are objects 21 or the knitting machine needles 22 are removed from the insertion 42 opposite second longitudinal end 39 ago, the end portion 45 of the bottom member 23 is broken at the predetermined breaking points 48 of the two side walls 41 and pivoted about its transverse direction Q extending pivot point 47, like this in FIG. 9 is shown.

The present invention relates to a package 20 for ordered, aligned storage of items 21, in particular knitting machine needles 22. The package 20 has a base body 30 of a bottom member 23 and a cover member 24, which are in particular made of plastic. At least one lid flap 74, 76 and / or at least one bottom flap 46 serves as a control unit for inserting or removing knitting machine needles 22 into a storage space 32 bounded by the bottom element 23 and the lid element 24. A spring device 25 has at least one spring element 55. The spring element 55 is supported on a side wall 41 or a separating web 43 extending parallel to the side wall in the receiving space and effects a holding force in a transverse direction Q transverse to the extension direction E of the knitting machine needles 22 approximately parallel to a bottom surface 36 of the bottom element 23. The bottom surface 36 serves as a support surface for the knitting machine needles 22. Regardless of the number and width of the knitting machine needles 22, these are provided by the spring means 25 in the receiving space 32 held and yet can be easily removed in their direction of extension E from the receiving space 32 of the package 20.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

20

packaging

21

object

22

Knitting machine needle

23

floor element

24

cover element

25

spring means

26

spring body

27

group

30

body

31

connecting element

32

accommodation space

34

baseplate

35

bottom

36

floor area

37

insertion side

38

first longitudinal end of the main body

39

second longitudinal end of the body

40

attack

41

Side wall

42

insertion

43

divider

44

receiving portion

45

end

46

bottom flap

47

pivot location

48

Breaking point

52

floor recess

53

base section

54

top

55

spring element

56

solid end

57

free end

58

bus stop

59

locking lug

65

transverse projection

66

wall recess

67

fastening area

68

Mounting aperture

69

fastening pins

73

first lid hinge

74

first cover flap

75

second lid hinge

76

second cover flap

77

cover section

78

catch projection

79

recess

82

End portion of the first lid flap

83

free end of the first cover flap

84

Holding down member

85

engagement opening

86

handle part

90

kink

91

intermediate section

92

outer section

93

free end of the outer section

94

latching means

95

Rest antidote

96

Rest counter surface

97

Rest area

98

end flange

99

fuse element

100

securing web

101

hook

102

closing element

e

extension direction

L

longitudinal direction

Q

transversely

Claims (15)

Packaging (20) for the orderly, aligned storage of articles (21) extending in an extension direction (E), in particular knitting machine needles (22),
a base body (30) having a bottom element (23) and a cover element (24) connected to each other and defining a receiving space (32), said bottom element (23) comprising at least a portion (36a) of a bottom surface (36). facing the receiving space (32),
with at least one operating part (46, 74, 76) on the bottom element (23) and / or on the cover element (24) which is movable between an open position and a closed position,
with a spring device (25) which is arranged in the receiving space (32) and which has at least one spring element (55) which is adapted to a holding force in a transverse direction on one or more objects (21) arranged in the receiving space (32) (Q) transverse to its extension direction (E) and substantially parallel to the bottom surface (36) exercise. Packaging according to claim 1,
characterized in that the spring means (25) is formed by a spring body (26) having a plurality of spring elements (55) having a spring portion (58) extending substantially parallel to the bottom surface (26) and transversely (Q). exhibit. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the spring means (25) comprises a base portion (53) disposed in a bottom recess (52) provided on the bottom member (23). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (24) is permanently connected to the bottom element (23). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom element (23) has an insertion opening (42) through which the receiving space (32) at a first longitudinal end (38) in extension of the bottom surface (36) regardless of the position of at least an operating part (46, 74, 76) is open or accessible. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first cover flap (74) and / or a second cover flap (76) is present as a control part (74, 76) on the cover element (24). Packaging according to claim 6,
characterized in that the first lid flap (74) has a hold-down part (84) which can exert on the receiving space (32) arranged objects (21) a hold-down force transverse to the bottom surface (36). Packaging according to claim 7,
characterized in that the hold-down member (84) is formed by a pivotable end portion (82) of the first lid flap (74). Packaging according to one of claims 6 to 8,
characterized in that the first cover flap (74) and / or the second cover flap (76) via a respective latching device (78, 79 and 94, 95) in the closed position releasably on the bottom element (23) is held. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that in the receiving space (32) a securing element (99) is present, which is movable between a securing position and a release position and in its securing position in the receiving space (32) arranged objects (21) against withdrawal in the extension direction (E) the receiving space (32) secures. Packaging according to claim 10 and one of claims 6 to 9,
characterized in that the securing element (99) is arranged on the second cover flap (76), and in that the securing element (99) is in its securing position when the second cover flap (76) is in its closed position and that the securing element ( 99) is in its release position when the second lid flap (76) is in its open position. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the bottom element (23) has a bottom flap (46) as a control unit. Packaging according to claim 12,
characterized in that the bottom flap (46) is formed by a portion (45) of the bottom element (23), which in its initial state by at least one Predetermined breaking point (48) is secured against pivoting. Packaging according to claim 12 or 13 and any one of claims 6 to 11,
characterized in that the bottom flap (46) of the second lid flap (76) opposite. Method of producing a package for the orderly, aligned storage of objects (21) extending in an extension direction (E), in particular knitting machine needles (22), having the following steps: - Producing a bottom element (23) and a cover element (24) with at least one operating part (46, 74, 76) on the bottom element (23) and / or on the cover element (24) which is movable between an open position and a closed position, Producing a spring device (25) with at least one spring element (55), Arranging the spring device (25) on the bottom element (23), wherein the at least one spring element (55) is arranged on a section (36a) of a bottom surface (36) of the bottom element (23) associated with the objects (21) to be stored, - Fixing the bottom member (23) and the lid member (24) to each other so that they define a receiving space (32) and the at least one spring element (55) in the receiving space (32) is arranged to one or more in the receiving space (32 ) to be arranged objects (21) has a holding force in a transverse direction (Q) transverse to its extension direction (E) and parallel to the bottom surface (36) exercise.

Images